[Site name]

Rail traffic controller

Also called train controller, signal box operator, signal box controller

Rail traffic controllers operate signals and points that help make sure trains run safely and on time. They operate from a signal box in order to control the order and movement of trains and ensure safety at all times. They are responsible for maintaining safety standards when trains are running normally and also in degraded or emergency operational situations.

Will there be jobs?Yes, good prospects48 jobs to fill by 2035 for every 100 people doing this work today.Numerical and material recording clerksWhat does it pay?About averageFrom about €1,100 (Bulgaria) to €4,900 (Denmark) a month, depending on the country.Estimate · Numerical and material recording clerksWhat do I need to study?Upper secondary or vocational6 in 10 finished upper secondary or vocational training. 8 in 10 train through vocational routes.Numerical and material recording clerksWill AI change it?SignificantlyLevel 5 of 6. AI could take on part of most tasks, but none fully.Transport clerks · ILO

What you'd do

Transport clerks · ILO
  • Keeping records of operational aspects and coordinating the timing of passenger and freight transport
  • Directing train routings within a division or zone of a railway system and keeping related records
  • Directing, controlling and keeping records of freight handling at a railway yard
  • Coordinating and keeping records of operational activities concerning road transport, such as allocation and scheduling of vehicles and drivers, loading and unloading of vehicles and storage of goods in transit
  • Coordinating and keeping records of operational activities concerning air transport of passengers and freight, such as passenger lists and freight manifests
  • Preparing reports for management
Operate railway communication systemsManage train working timetableOversee the daily train operations planOperate LED-based panel signal boxesOperate train integrated electronic control centre+ 12 more essential skills
What the work is like
  • Mostly outdoors
  • On your feet most of the day
  • Lots of contact with people
  • Some freedom to decide
  • Often more than 40 hours a week
  • Deadlines most weeks
  • Some repetitive tasks
US data: based on the O*NET profile of the similar US job "Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers"

Will there be jobs?

Yes, good prospects

Many jobs will need filling by 2035.

People working as numerical and material recording clerks in the EU
6.67m6.39m7.91m 201520232035

Solid: measured. Dashed: forecast.

Jobs to fill, 2026–2035
1,236,000 new jobs 1,933,000 replacing leavers
Jobs to fill per 100 people working now
Numerical and material recording clerks48
All jobs29
Right now
6 of 27 countries report a shortage of transport clerks, 5 a surplus.
Transport clerks · EURES

What does it pay?

About average

Pay depends a lot on the country: from about €1,100 a month (Bulgaria) to €4,900 (Denmark), before tax.

Pick a country at the top of the page to see typical pay there, for people under 30, and compared with all jobs.

Among clerical support workers in the EU, women earn 9% less per hour than men. Clerical support workers · Eurostat

What do I need to study?

Upper secondary or vocational

Upper secondary or vocational training in transport services is the usual route.

Highest qualification of numerical and material recording clerks (EU, 2025)
Degree 27%Vocational 47%General secondary 13%Basic schooling 13%
Field that teaches it
Transport services
Vocational route, EU
8 in 10 trainees in this field

Pick a country at the top of the page to see where to study and the official course finders.

Will AI change it?

Significantly

AI could take on part of most tasks, but none fully.

How exposed is this job? ILO scale
Very low
Low
Some tasks
Moderate
Significant
High

Average task score 0.50 on a scale from 0 (AI can't do it) to 1 (AI could do it fully).

See the score for each of the 6 tasks
Coordinating and keeping records of operational activities concerning road transport, such as allocation and scheduling of vehicles and drivers, loading and unloading of vehicles and storage of goods in transit0.58
Preparing reports for management0.57
Coordinating and keeping records of operational activities concerning air transport of passengers and freight, such as passenger lists and freight manifests0.55
Keeping records of operational aspects and coordinating the timing of passenger and freight transport0.50
Directing train routings within a division or zone of a railway system and keeping related records0.41
Directing, controlling and keeping records of freight handling at a railway yard0.34

Based on what AI could technically do when assessed in 2025. It is not a forecast for a future year, and not a forecast of job losses. Scores for transport clerks. Source: ILO (2025), adapted (credits).